Isabella Star LaBlanc maintains a steady, direct approach in her narration of this audiobook, which blends mystery, suspense, and family drama. She takes listeners to Backravel, Arizona, a mysterious place that once held sway over Beck's late mother. Now Beck and her sister, Riley, go there seeking answers about their mom. LaBlanc's measured approach is not as effective as it could be. She doesn't use varied vocal tones or pauses to maintain the listener's attention, and the occasional flatness of delivery makes it easy for one's mind to wander. The story's slow narrative requires a performance with more verve. The patient listener may find the plot engrossing, but the simplicity of the performance may be a liability instead of an asset.
(Paranormal thriller. 14-18)Pub Date: June 20, 2023
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250867742
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This young adult audiobook is full of secrets and lies.
When they were 4, identical twins Aria and Caliste’s mother, Grace, disappeared, and the sisters were separated. Years later, Grace’s body is discovered in a lake haunted by the Ghoul. The two young women travel to Minnesota and uncover family secrets—including each other’s existence. Narrators Rebecca Ho and Chantria Tram capture the twins’ emotions as they discover what has been kept hidden from them. Carolina Do exquisitely performs the point of view of the Ghoul. However, audible pick-ups make this production sound uneven and may distract from the listening experience.
This young adult audiobook is full of secrets and lies.Pub Date: Dec. 9, 2025
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217157983
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Feb. 10, 2026
Rebecca Soler makes action scenes impossible to pause as she narrates this romantic Bluebeard retelling. Mallory descends from witches, but her only magic is the ability to see ghosts. To earn a living she and her sister sell fake spells and artifacts and give tours of the mansion that once belonged to Count Bastien Saphir, who many believe murdered three wives. When Bastien's great-great-grandson, handsome Armand, offers a reward to rid his home of the murderous ghost of his ancestor, Mallory doesn't hesitate. When a new murder takes place, she investigates whether the murderer is truly the ghost of Bastien or someone who is part of the household. Soler's precise diction and intensifying pace ramp up the suspense in this story inspired by French folklore.
(Supernatural mystery. 14-18)Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250411433
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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